Calvin Klein Takes Us Back to 1995 with the New Spring Summer 2019 Ready to Wear Collection

Calvin Klein Takes Us Back to 1995 with the New Spring Summer 2019 Ready to Wear CollectionDecember 2, 2018

Calvin Klein // Spring Summer 2019 Ready to Wear

In 1995, Calvin Klein launched his most controversial ad campaign to date. The campaign, shot by photographer Steven Meisel for Calvin Klein Jeans, received an immense amount of backlash due to how risqué it was for the times. The models, dressed in skimpy denim shorts and tank tops, were shot against a wood-paneled wall, and on a purple carpet. Not only were the images controversial due to how young the models looked (they were all over 18), but the videos accompanying the images were reminiscent of casting videos for 1970s porn. The outrage was swift, with the Catholic League, parent groups, child welfare authorities and the American Family Association leading the outcry. Within days, the campaign was pulled from circulation.

Fast forward to 2018, and Calvin Klein has launched a new collection for Spring Summer 2019 evocative of this past campaign. While less provocative, the new collection features the denim shorts and tops characteristic of Calvin Klein. Even though the brand is paying homage to its 1995 collection, the line is updated and modern, with a sense of youth, fun, and style. -GM